Category Archives: Urban Issues

Introduction The Crack in Space was first published by Philip K. Dick in 1966 with the help of Ace Books. It is about an overpopulated Earth facing a jobs crisis. Millions are left without work or hope of work and … Continue reading →

Introduction The Cosmic Puppets was originally published by Philip K. Dick 1957. Its plot centers on the mystery of a middle-aged man–Ted Barton–realizing that the town of his childhood has completely changed. As he investigates, he learns that the town … Continue reading →

Philip K. Dick’s early novel The Man Who Japed is quite prescient in describing how morality and the media intersect as a tool of power. As the novel opens, we are given some very recognizable Orwellian imagery. Government institutions are … Continue reading →

Story Background “Strange Memories of Death” was originally published in Interzone in Summer 1984, over four years after it was received by Dick’s agent. It can now be found in The Eye of the Sibyl and Other Classic Stories by … Continue reading →

Story Background “The Pre-Persons” was originally published in Fantasy & Science Fiction in October 1974. It can now be found in The Eye of the Sibyl and Other Classic Stories by Philip K. Dick on pp. 275–296. Plot Summary Walter … Continue reading →

Story Background “Precious Artifact” was originally published in Galaxy in October 1964. It can now be found in The Eye of the Sibyl and Other Classic Stories by Philip K. Dick on pp. 53–65. Plot Summary Milt Biskle has just … Continue reading →

Story Background “What’ll We Do With Ragland Park” was originally published in Amazing in November 1963. It can now be found in Minority Report and Other Classic Stories by Philip K. Dick on pp. 339–357. Plot Summary Sebastian Hada is … Continue reading →